She was not dead all this time. Elizabeth Braddock was simply in control.
She was an experienced assassin and Betsy Braddock (who killed Magneto) was using Kwannon's fighting skills.
Laura found an adult woman who understand her past and what she went through.
In real life a young woman could look up to an older woman. In real life women are friends. I think mostly old school male fans are in shock now that comics will show relationships and friendships between different women.